DuPont Controlled Environments

Terminology List

Latex Particle ChallengeMeasures the ability of the fabric

to filter out neutralized latex spheres of a specified size from a
standard aerosol challenge. Higher percentages indicate higher
particle barrier. (ASTM F2299)

Mullen Burst StrengthMeasures the pressure necessary

to cause a rupture in a fabric sample clamped to an inflatable
diaphragm. (ASTM 774)

Particle Filtration EfficiencyMeasures the ability of the fabric

to filter out particles from room air over a range of particle sizes.
Higher percentages indicates higher particle barrier. (IEST-RP-
CC003.3)

Particle Shedding (Releasable Large Particles)Measures

particles larger than 5.0 m released from a one square foot
area of fabric by applying a vacuum to the surface. Results may
be reported as a classification; see table below for classification
requirements. (ASTM F51, IEST-RP-CC003.3)

Maximum count per 0.1m2 of fabric

Class
Particles >5 m Fibers (10:1 aspect ratio)

Basis WeightReports the weight (or mass) of fabric for a given A 999 10
area. (ASTM D751-00) B 4,999 25
C 9,999 50
Bacterial Filtration EfficiencyMeasures the ability of the fabric D 14,999 125
to filter out bacteria (staphylococcus aureus) from a standard E 25,000 175
aerosol challenge. (ASTM F2101)
Particle Shedding (Helmke Drum Test) Measures particle
FlammabilityProvides an indication of the ease of ignition and shedding from a garment or accessory being tumbled in a
speed of flame spread of normal apparel fabrics. Garments are small drum. Results are reported by category; the category
categorized as class 1 (normal), class 2 (intermediate), or class 3 requirements for coveralls are in the table below. (IEST-RP-
(rapid and intense burning). (U.S. Flammable Fabrics Act, 16 CFR CC003.3)
1610) Note: Other standards apply to protective clothing worn
The test is intended to be run on full garments, but some types
when the threat of heat, fire, or explosion exists. (16 CFR 1610)
of garments will not tumble properly in the drum due to stiffness,
size or other factors. Testing on fabric swatches or cut garments
Frazier PorosityMeasures volume of air flow through a standard
may not be an accurate predictor of full garment performance due
area of fabric at a pressure drop of 0.5 inches of water. (ASTM D
to edge effects.
737-96, IST 70.1)

Gurley Hill PorosityMeasures time required for a given volume Garment

Category Particle emission rate (particles/min)
of air to pass through an area of material under a pressure drop of type
approx. 4.9 inches of water. (TAPPI T460/ASTM D726) 0.3 m and larger 0.5 m and larger

Hydrostatic Head (Hydrohead)Measures the water pressure the I Coverall <2,000 <1,200
fabric can withstand before leakage occurs. Results are reported II Coverall 2,000 20,000 1,200 12,000
as a column height of water (cm). Higher numbers indicate better
III Coverall 20,000 200,000 12,000 120,000
penetration resistance. (ASTM D751-00 AATCC 127, IST 80.6-01)
 Static DecayMeasures the time required for a material to
dissipate 90% of a specified electrical charge (voltage). (IST 40.2)

Sterility Assurance Level (SAL)Indicates the probability of

an individual item being nonsterile - for example, an SAL of 10-3
indicates a 1 in 1000 probability of nonsterility and an SAL of
10-6 indicates a 1 in 1,000,000 probability of nonsterility. (SAL for
DuPont Controlled Environment products is validated using ANSI/
AAMI/ISO 11137)

Surface ResistivityMeasures the resistance to the flow of

electrical charge across the surface of an insulating material.
Calculated by multiplying the surface resistance by a geometric
factor to standardize for electrode and sample dimensions. (ASTM
D257-99)

ThicknessMeasures the separation created by the fabric

between a movable plate and a parallel fixed plate at a specified
pressure. (ASTM D1777-96)

Tongue TearMeasures the force needed to propagate a tear in

the fabric in a ripping action. Higher numbers indicate better tear
propagation resistance. (ASTM D2261-83)

Trapezoidal Tear (or Trap Tear)Measures the force needed to

propagate a tear in the fabric in a stretching (elongational) action.
Higher numbers indicate better tear propagation resistance.
(ASTM D 5733-99, IST 100.2).

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K-16089 Printed in U.S.A. Rev. (12/08)